Arts Fest Events: A Little Night Music, A Royal Affair

Art lovers hold on to your (undoubtedly ridiculous) hats. This year's Spotlight on Arts Festival features over 40 art events spanning 30 days. The performances vary from high school art galleries to a battle of the bands to live bluegrass to an inaugural ball and auction.

Can't wait? Well before you go off salivating over the festival's calendar, scroll down. I've taken 40 events and made a handy guide of what-you-need-to-knows for this week. And so you don't get overwhelmed, I'll do the same for you every few days.

Check back for updated event listings... and let me know what you think of the festival. I'll be out and about talking to people, taking photos. Say hi if you see me!

Now to the good stuff:

• Fairfax High School Arts Awards and Reception

Recognize Fairfax High School students' achievements in creativity and art at Old Town Hall.

Wednesday at 7 p.m. Old Town Hall, 3999 University Drive. Free.

• “A Little Night Music”

Washington International Piano Arts Council (WIPAC) presents its “artist-in-residence” John Gardecki, resident of Farrcroft Community performing “A
Little Night Music.” Founding Board member of Washington International Piano Arts Council (WIPAC), Gardecki was born and grew up in Baltimore. He had private piano lessons from Dorothea Ortmann Seletzky, a Peabody Conservatory graduate and master student of Harold Bauer (student of Paderewski) and Isabella Vengerova (student of Leschetizky who was a student of Czerny).

Net proceeds to benefit equally the Fairfax Spotlight on the Arts scholarship program and WIPAC International Piano Artists Competition for outstanding amateurs to be held in July 20-24 in partnership with the George Washington University Music Department and the Embassies of France, Mexico and Poland.

Thursday at Sherwood Community Center. Cocktails start at 6:30 p.m. Concert at 7. $25 per ticket, $40 per couple. Kids 8-14 get in free. Discounted tickets available for college students and seniors at $15. Pay more for VIP seats.

• Woman’s Club of Fairfax “A Royal Affair”

A breakfast celebrating the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton with a viewing of wedding on the large screen.

Friday, 7 a.m. Sherwood Center. $10 for breakfast.

• “Illuminaire”
  

George Mason Unviersity's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute presents "Illuminaire."

Friday from 3–5 p.m. in Old Town Hall. Free.

• Fairfax Saxophone Quartet

FSQ concert for the City of Fairfax 2011 Spotlight on the Arts. Guest pianist Amy LaCivita will play new saxophone quartet arrangements of Bach and Rimsky-Korsakov. Other works are original FSQ compositions or arrangements.

Friday at 8 p.m. Old Town Hall. Free.

• “Swan Lake and the Colors of Spring”

NOVA Springfield Annandale Symphony Orchestra presents "Swan Lake and the Colors of Spring" for their seasonal concert. Double check the location listed below. This one does not take place in Fairfax City.

Friday at 8 p.m. Ernst Center, Northern Virginia Community College, Annandale Campus 8333 Little River Turnpike. Tickets: $15 adults, $10 seniors and students, free for children.

• 10-Minute Play Festival by Mason Players

Mason Players perform works originally written and directed by students.

Friday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8. TheaterSpace, George Mason University’s Fairfax Campus. Tickets: $15 General admission, $10 students, faculty and staff; seniors; and groups

• “The Odd Couple” by Woodson Players

The Woodson Players perform Neil Simon’s 1965 comedy about fastidious, neurotic newswriter Felix Ungar, who moves in with his slovenly friend, sportswriter Oscar Madison.

Friday at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7:30. Woodson High School. Click here for ticket prices and availability.